LGBTQ And Addiction

The Lgbtq Community And Dependency

LGBTQ community has alarmingly higher numbers of substance abuse and addiction that any other group. Some probable triggers for addiction in this population are discrimination, pressure from society, and other disorders that might be present. Many problems have led to the dependence by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer, known as LGBTQ LGBTQ specific healing bases are very sensitive to the requirements of that community and quickly tackle any basic issues that may have lead to dependence. This can be crucial for the rehabilitation process.

An approximated 20 to 30 percent of the LGBTQ community ill-uses drugs, contrasted to around 9 percent of the overall population.

Hardships Faced By The Lgbtq Community

The LGBTQ society has a higher rate of substance abuse when compared to the population in general.

Those who identify as heterosexual typically don't face the same societal obstacles as those who are LGBTQ.

Alcohol or drugs are often used as a way to self medicate for LGBTQ individuals due to the stigmatization and judgement the face in society every day. Depression, nervousness, rage, fear and other unpleasant emotions can be, at least for a moment, quieted down with the use of some substances.

Some of these obstacles are:

Stigmatization and discrimination due to their sexual orientation

They are usually threatened, humiliated, ridiculed, and subjected to other emotional stress

After making their sexual orientation public, they are turned down by their loved ones

Loss of job or not receiving appraisals

They develop strong lack of affection for themselves

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Typical Reoccurring Disorders Among Lgbtq Community

LGBTQ community members are frequently forced to live their lives hiding their true nature, which is a situation that might cause internal friction. This means that they have to keep their sexual orientation secret due to fear of being rejected and hence need to live a double life when it comes to their sexuality. Maintaining one's sexuality concealed is a very huge psychological toll that may cause to the growth of emotional or mental disorders or other conditions.

Some emotional or psychological disorders in the LGBTQ community are:

Severe depression

General anxiety disorder

Elevated stress

Suicide attempts or self-harming

Besides the societal difficulties they undergo, an LGBTQ person may be witnessing health or physical challenges connected to their sexuality. They can also lead to an addiction and they are:

Compulsive sex

Sexual dysfunction

Sex or HIV-related anxiety

Sexual misuse or attack

A good number of individuals who identify as LGBTQ have a co-occurring psychological or sexual illness that either brings about drug ill-use issue or upholding this misuse. When thinking about treatment options for people who identify as LGBTQ, there needs to be a focus on any co-occurring disorders so as to increase the chances of long term sobriety.

Lgbtq Community Drugs Of Choice

There are five most commonly abused substances within the LGBTQ community, even though many other can be as addictive as these.

Forms of tobacco

Tobacco use among LGBTQ community members is up to 200 higher than with straight individuals.

Alcohol

Within 20 and 25 percent of LGBTQ people have mild to high alcohol addiction.

Marijuana

Heterosexual men are 3.5 times less prone to marijuana than men who are gay.

Amphetamines

Those who identify as LGBTQ are 12.2 times more likely to use Amphetamines.

Heroin

Heroin use increases by 9.5 times n LGBTQ members than in heterosexuals.

Treatment Places For Lgbtq

One of the main reasons that LGBTQ members hesitate when it comes to seeking assistance is the lack of facilities that address their needs as individuals.

However, there are many treatment programs that are able to deal with the seclusion that LGBTQ community members frequently feel and the long-lasting consequences of discrimination or leading a double life.

Recognizing any co-occurring mental health problems is in the focus of treatment facilities for LGBTQ individuals, which can raise the chances of recovery for a longer time. Chances that a relapse might happen are much bigger if these underlying causes of substance abuse or addiction are not properly dealt with.

Obtain The Support You Require

There is a disturbing rate of addiction in the LGBTQ community along with a number of issues and hurdles that they are confronted with on a day to day basis that could lead to substance abuse and addiction.

You will be in the company of people that can offer you support and motivation and you will feel that you belong if you go to a treatment facility that offers rehab and care to LGBTQ individuals in their fight against addiction.

Get in touch with us on 0800 246 1509 if you or a loved one is trying to overcome addiction.